Kubota BX1880, Operator'S Manual

Page: 12 / 114

5. Precautions for operating the
tractor on slopes
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death.
All slopes require extra caution.
• To avoid upsets of the tractor, always back it up
steep slopes. If you cannot back the tractor up the
slope or if you feel uneasy to back it up the slope,
do not operate the tractor on the slope. Stay off the
slopes which is too steep for safe operation.
• Driving forward out of a ditch, mired condition, or up
a steep slope increases the risk of the tractor to be
upset backward. Always back the tractor out of a
ditch, mired condition, or steep slope. The 4-wheel
drive models require extra caution because their
increased traction can give the operator false
confidence in the ability of the tractor to climb the
slopes.
• Keep all movement of the tractor on slopes slow
and gradual. Do not change the speed or direction
of the tractor suddenly. Do not apply brake
suddenly. Do not move the steering wheel
suddenly.
• Avoid changing the gears speed when the tractor is
climbing or going down a slope. Changing the
gears to neutral on a slope could cause loss of
control.
• You should pay special attention to the weight and
location of implements and loads because they will
affect the stability of the tractor.
• To improve stability of the tractor on slope, follow
recommendations for proper ballasting as shown in
BALLAST on page 72.
• When driving down a slope, make sure that 4-wheel
drive is engaged to increase traction if equipped.
6. Precautions for driving the tractor
on the road
• Check the front wheel engagement. The braking
characteristics are different between 2-wheel drive
and 4-wheel drive. Know the difference and use
carefully.
• Always slow the tractor down before turning.
Turning at high speed may tip the tractor over.
• Make sure that the slow-moving-vehicle (SMV) sign
is clean and visible. Use the hazard lights and turn
signals as required.
• On public roads, use the SMV emblem and hazard
lights, if required by local traffic and safety
regulations.
(1) SMV emblem (2) Bracket
• Check all local traffic and safety regulations.
• Turn the headlights on. Dim the headlights when
meeting another vehicle.
• Drive at speeds that allow you to maintain the
control at all times.
• Do not apply the differential lock while traveling at
road speeds. The tractor may run out of control.
• Avoid sudden motions of the steering wheel
because they can lead to a dangerous loss of
stability. The risk is especially great when the
tractor is traveling at road speeds.
• Keep the ROPS in the up position and wear the
seat belt when driving the tractor on the road.
Otherwise, you will not be protected in the event of
a tractor roll-over.
• Do not operate an implement while the tractor is on
the road. Lock the 3-point hitch in the raised
position.
• When towing other equipment, use a safety chain
and place an SMV emblem on the equipment as
well.
(1) Safety chain
• Set the implement-lowering-speed-knob in the lock
position to hold the implement in the raised
position.
SAFE OPERATION
8
BX1880,BX2380,BX2680